Top Gun Maverick Moment: Skill Without a Mission Doesn’t Clear the Tower
Lessons from a Failed Proposed Endeavor Statement
In employment-based self-petition cases, particularly those that rely on a proposed endeavor, the personal statement plays a critical role. It is not simply a declaration of good intentions or an overview of advanced technology. It is the foundation that allows USCIS to evaluate whether the work has substantial merit, national importance, and whether the petitioner is well positioned to advance it.
In this case, the self-petitioner stated that his proposed endeavor was to improve the safety, reliability, and compliance of United States aviation systems through Artificial Intelligence powered Quality Assurance. He described the use of computer programs that learn from data, simulate real-life scenarios, predict and prevent potential failures, and test high-risk conditions such as air traffic conflicts, cybersecurity threats, and communication breakdowns. He further asserted that this work would reduce the risk of mid-air collisions, improve passenger travel authorization processes, strengthen cyber protections, and support key national priorities.
On the surface, the statement appeared ambitious and aligned with public safety. However, USCIS determined that the statement failed to provide the level of specificity required to evaluate the proposed endeavor.
“It’s not enough to say you can fly the jet. USCIS wants to know which aircraft, which mission, under what conditions, and why you’re the one trusted to fly it. Just like Top Gun: Maverick, skill without a defined mission is just noise.”
The Core Deficiency: Lack of Specificity
The central issue was not the importance of aviation safety or the relevance of artificial intelligence. The problem was that the statement did not clearly explain what the petitioner actually intended to do as a computer programmer in the aviation industry.
USCIS requires more than general claims about advanced technology or societal benefit. The agency must be able to understand the petitioner’s concrete role, scope of work, and practical implementation. In this case, the statement did not explain:
What specific systems the petitioner would work on
What type of AI models or tools would be developed or implemented
How the petitioner’s work differed from existing industry practices
Who would use these tools and in what operational context
How the petitioner’s individual expertise positioned him to carry out this work
Without these details, USCIS could not meaningfully assess whether the endeavor had substantial merit or national importance, nor whether the petitioner was well positioned to advance it.
Impact on the National Interest Waiver Analysis
Because the proposed endeavor was not clearly defined, USCIS was unable to complete the required balancing test. A vague or abstract proposal prevents the agency from determining whether waiving the job offer and labor certification requirements would benefit the United States.
In effect, the absence of a detailed proposed endeavor blocked USCIS at every analytical step. When the endeavor itself is unclear, the petition fails not because the field lacks importance, but because the connection between the petitioner, the work, and the national benefit is not established.
Unsubstantiated Claims Are Not Enough
USCIS emphasized that it is not required to rely on unsubstantiated or conclusory claims. Courts have consistently held that testimonial evidence must be specific, detailed, and credible. When statements lack clarity or precision, the burden shifts to the petitioner to provide strong corroborative evidence.
If a personal statement reads like a vision statement rather than an operational plan, it weakens the petition. General references to artificial intelligence, safety, or national priorities do not substitute for a clear explanation of what the petitioner will actually build, deploy, or lead.
Key Takeaway for Self-Petitioners
A strong proposed endeavor statement must answer one fundamental question clearly: What exactly will you do, and how does your work uniquely advance a matter of national importance?
The statement should read less like a mission statement and more like a professional blueprint. It must translate complex ideas into concrete actions, roles, and outcomes. When specificity is missing, even highly relevant and critical fields such as aviation safety and cybersecurity can fail to meet the evidentiary standard.
Please consult with an attorney, as attorneys are best positioned to explain the subtle but critical nuances involved in drafting an effective personal statement. They help ensure that the statement is not just aspirational, but specific, well-structured, and aligned with the legal standards USCIS applies when evaluating a petition.